With Meter Reading Patents (Class 340/870.02)
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Publication number: 20130293390Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, and method for enforcing utility usage and metering functions by a utility meter associated with a utility consumer end user, connected to a remote utility management center by a communication network. The present invention proposes a utility meter for controlling and metering a least one utility consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: NAGRAVISION S.A.Inventors: Corinne Le Buhan, Christophe Nicolas, Joël Conus
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Publication number: 20130293389Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, are configured for receiving monitor data from a gas meter. A data stream is created based upon the monitor data. The data stream is spread with a common pseudo-noise (PN) code that is used by a plurality of nodes in communication with an access point. The spread data stream is transmitted at a first time based on a slot start time and a first randomly selected timing offset. The spread data stream is transmitted while at least a portion of a second spread data stream is transmitted at a second time based on the slot start time and a second randomly selected timing offset. The second spread data stream is spread with the common PN code.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Kenneth C. Sinsuan, Theodore J. Myers, Lewis N. Cohen, Daniel Thomas Werner, Matthew Hughes, Robert W. Boesel, Patrick M. Singler
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Publication number: 20130293388Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for monitoring the status and use of an LP fuel tank using cellular communication technology. The system includes a sensor unit communicatively connected to a storage tank, the sensor unit measuring the level of fluid in the storage tank and transmitting fluid level data externally via a cellular data communication link, a remote host unit disposed remotely from the storage tank, the host unit receiving fluid level data from the sensor unit via the cellular data communication link, and a base unit disposed in the vicinity of the storage tank by a user, the base unit receiving fluid level data from the sensor unit via the cellular data communication link or via an RF link.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Daryl Ingalsbe, Jim Fangmeier
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Publication number: 20130285833Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tampering with a pulse-producing component of an electrical device are disclosed. An example electrical device includes a pulse-producing circuit and a tamper detection circuit. The pulse-producing circuit is configured for generating at least one pulse. The pulse-producing circuit includes a pulse interface via which the at least one pulse is communicated from the pulse-producing circuit. The tamper detection circuit is electrically connected to the pulse interface. The tamper detection circuit can be connected between a pulse-counting device and the pulse interface. The tamper detection circuit is configured for communicating the pulse to the pulse-counting device via at least one electrical path in the absence of a tampering condition. The tamper detection circuit is also configured for simulating damage to the pulse interface by modifying the at least one electrical path in response to the presence of the tampering condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Chris Oswalt
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Publication number: 20130285836Abstract: A system for using telemetry data based on a user habit information includes one or more sensors coupled to a wearable device that has a unique user ID, and acquires user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information. The wearable device includes ID circuitry that includes ID storage, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. The telemetry system communicates with the one or more sensors. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. Telemetry data is analyzed using the telemetry system based on at least one of, user's activities, behaviors and habit information. Personalized information about the user is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: James Proud
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Publication number: 20130285837Abstract: A mobile communication device and a communication method that enable remote monitoring of those who use electrical home appliances by collecting data from the electrical home appliances are provided without complicating the system configuration. The mobile communication device (10) includes a public network communication unit (20) that wirelessly communicates with a public network (60), a local area communication unit (30) that communicates with a sensor device (50) located in a neighbor area, and an access management unit (40) that accepts access from the sensor device (50) through the local area communication unit (30) and transmits sensor device usage information to an external device connected to the public network (60) based on information transmitted from the sensor device (50), or accepts access from the external device through the public network communication unit (20) and controls operation of the sensor device (50) in accordance with remote control information from the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: NEC CASIO MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.Inventor: Kaoru Uchida
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Instantaneous Telemetry from the Utility Revenue Meter by use of the Pulse Outputs or Optical Reader
Publication number: 20130285834Abstract: The invention comprises a method for obtaining accurate, instantaneous electric consumption data for telemetry purposes from the consumer's utility revenue meter. Heretofore, methods for obtaining high frequency telemetry have been limited to specialized devices which are not based on the utility revenue meter, or are unable to meet the temporal requirements of instantaneous telemetry. The invented method specifically uses external outputs of the utility revenue meter, the pulse outputs or optical reader, acquires and transmits high frequency telemetry in less than 30 seconds inclusive down to 1 second. It is also significant that the invention considers the timing of meter data reads. Other approaches to reading the utility revenue meter focus on pulse counting or use of a predetermined time interval. In the current embodiment of the invention, the device measures the timing of each pulse which led to accuracy within a few seconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Stephen Sellers, Peter Friedland, Denise L Wiedl, Paul Lindenfelzer -
Publication number: 20130285835Abstract: A method for transmitting, storing and managing data by compressing data packets to be transmitted and received over an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network with low-capacity memory and low-transfer rate. A number of transmission packets may be reduced using at least one of a bitmap interval algorithm that assigns a bitmap value to each interval, thereby reducing a number of request packets, a repeated-bitmap interval algorithm that represents sequential data values as bitmap values by toggling a bit value between 0 and 1 in each data value when a change occurs in the sequential data values, and a run-length encoding algorithm that compresses data by encoding run length of sequential identical data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hyun-Hak KIM, Tae-Wook HEO, Kwang-Soo KIM, Jong-Arm JUN
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Patent number: 8570186Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits an excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The reader uses an ambient reading or other information to select a subset of the possible ring signal frequencies, and tunes or adjusts its circuits and algorithms to focus on that subset.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Endotronix, Inc.Inventors: Michael Nagy, Harry D. Rowland, Roger Dwight Watkins, Balamurugan Sundaram
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Patent number: 8571721Abstract: The transfer and usage of a modulated carrier signal within a power signal on a power line communication system is described. The modulated signal comprises metadata which is transmitted at a different frequency than the transmitted power. The metadata, including such elements as energy costs, providers, renewable source status and originating location, may be used by consumers to make subsequent purchasing decisions. Additionally, the energy costs of any given computer node commonly distributed in a grid architecture may be collected by a workload dispatcher in order to make more accurate cost and energy source based dispatch decisions. The consumer may be able to communicate directly back to the power provider. The use of computer-readable medium and product containing instructions that are implemented on a computer is also covered. Finally, the invention may be deployed on behalf of the consumer by a third party service provider.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Boss, James R. Doran, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Anne R. Sand
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Publication number: 20130278434Abstract: A system and method for receiving telemetry data from implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers with improved noise immunity is disclosed. Ambient noise levels and signal strength are monitored and used to adaptively adjust the detection sensitivity of the receiver. Filtering of the received signal is performed to remove both broadband and narrowband noise. Removal of narrowband noise is accomplished with notch filters that are dynamically adjusted in accordance with a detected noise spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Steven Schmitt, Fred Schleifer, Joseph E. Bange
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Publication number: 20130281801Abstract: A system for using telemetry data based on a patient habit information includes patient monitoring device coupled to a patient monitoring device that has a unique patient ID, and acquires patient information selected from of at least one of, a patient's activities, behaviors and habit information. The patient monitoring device includes ID circuitry that includes ID storage, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. The telemetry system communicates with the patient monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of patient ID's. Telemetry data is analyzed using the telemetry system based on at least one of, patient's activities, behaviors and habit information. Personalized information about the patient is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: James Proud
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Publication number: 20130278753Abstract: The present invention provides a specialty gas detection method and a specialty gas detection cart for implementing the method. The method includes (1) providing a specialty gas detection cart and a control station; (2) connecting the control station and the specialty gas detection cart to each other in a wireless manner; (3) the specialty gas detector collecting gas information from the environment where the detector is located and transmitting the collected gas information to the data processor to allow the data processor to process the gas information and transmit the result of processing of the gas information via the first wireless transceiver device to the control station; and (4) the control station receiving the result of processing of the gas information and displaying the result of processing of the gas information. Remote monitoring of a specialty gas leakage site can thus be made through the specialty gas detection cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoeletronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhenhua Guo, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Erqing Zhu, Yongqiang Wang, Yunshao Jiang, Xiande Li, Weibing Yang, Zenghong Chen, Minghu Qi
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Publication number: 20130271289Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for detecting anomalies in a metering system. In one embodiment, data representing usage of a defined commodity are collected from meters, and the data collected over a given time period are analyzed to identify any of the meters showing at least one defined type of anomalous usage pattern. For each of the meters showing an anomalous usage patterns, an anomaly score is determined for the usage pattern shown, and the anomaly scores are used to rank the meters. In one embodiment, the collected data are analyzed to identify any of the meters showing one or more of a group of types of anomalous patterns including meter-no-reading, meter-by-pass, and meter-silting patterns. Embodiments of the invention utilize time series techniques and data analysis on meter reading data. Further, embodiments of the invention require no additional installation of equipment or sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Arun Hampapur, Zhong Bo Jiang, Hongfei Li, Shilpa N. Mahatma
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Publication number: 20130274653Abstract: A drug delivery system is provided. The drug delivery apparatus including at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a drug delivery parameter and patient data and a portable communication device communicatively coupled to the drug delivery apparatus. The portable communication device includes an input device configured to receive data from the drug delivery apparatus, wherein the data includes at least one of a drug delivery parameter and patient data and an output device coupled to the input device and configured to display the received data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Bonutti Research, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130269832Abstract: A system for remotely indicating the level of grain being loaded into a grain trailer. Plural vertically oriented sensing strips are affixed to a trailer's hopper(s) sidewall of the trailer's hopper(s) at spaced locations. Signals from transducer elements on the strips are delivered to an electronics module on the trailer's forward wall. The electronics module includes a multiplexer for sampling the state of the strip transducers and a wireless transmitter for relaying the state data to a receiver and microprocessor in the cab of a towing vehicle. The microprocessor presents a visual display of height reached by the grain in a hopper as loading continues. Following system calibration where a pixel count of the load being displayed and a measured net weight of the load are determined using a scale, a calibration factor corresponding to the weight-per-pixel is stored for use in computing the weight and volume of subsequent loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Shawn L. Gengerke
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Publication number: 20130265172Abstract: A glucose monitoring system, includes a glucose sensor strip or package of strips. The strip includes a substrate and a glucose monitoring circuit that has electrodes and a bodily fluid application portion of selected chemical composition. An antenna is integrated with the glucose sensor strip. A RFID sensor chip is coupled with the glucose sensor strip and the antenna. The chip has a memory containing digitally-encoded data representing calibration and/or expiration date information for the strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Timothy T. Goodnow, Lei (Lawrence) He
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Publication number: 20130262844Abstract: An apparatus includes a smart meter trust center switch. The switch includes a computer processor that is configured to execute a subset of functions of a smart meter in a home area network (HAN). The computer processor is also configured to be coupled to and communicate with the smart meter and an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and advanced meter reading (AMR) network.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Lance Hester
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Publication number: 20130257630Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: William J. Brennan, JR., Joseph Quentin Easterling
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Patent number: 8547226Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, which can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support streaming monitoring information to a customer for analysis or sending a command activating a device connected to a remote unit. Remote units associated with the same location may be in a pool, comprising one active unit and one or more spare units, in which the server automatically identifies the active unit. The server may support analyzing monitoring information according to an expected cycle pattern of a ventilation system at the monitored facility.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Schechter Tech, LLCInventors: Harry J. Schechter, Kevin Felichko
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Publication number: 20130249706Abstract: An electric service system includes an electric meter and an electric service platform. The electric meter can be used for obtaining the electric record of the client terminal. The electric service platform is connected to the electric meter and the server terminal so as to receive and analyze the electric record from the electric meter to obtain an electric information, and then offer the server terminal at least one of the electric record and the electric information. The server terminal provides the service via the electric service system according to the electric record or the electric information. Accordingly, the electric service system enables the server terminal to provide customized service for the client terminal according to the electric information of the client terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Chin-Tay Shih, Hua-chun Hsieh
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Publication number: 20130249708Abstract: Athletic data may be recorded and displayed using a computing device such as a mobile communication device during performance of physical activity. In some examples, the device may provide options for defining and recording athletic activity performed by the user. Such options may include various content item selection and rendering controls. Additionally or alternatively, route selection and controls may be provided through the device. Recorded activity data may further be transmitted to a remote site through a network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Hector Moll-Carrillo, Michael Tchao, Jason Nims
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Publication number: 20130249707Abstract: A service method of gas appliances includes: Detecting the gas appliances at the client ends to generate detecting signals. Transmitting the detecting signals to a service end. Identifying which client end the detecting signals come from. Examining the detecting signals to find whether the gas appliance has an abnormal condition; and informing the client end when the abnormal condition is found. After all, the service end may monitor the gas appliances at the client end, and inform the client for repair when the gas appliance has detected an abnormal signal or has damaged parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.Inventors: Chung-Chin HUANG, Chin-Ying HUANG, Hsin-Ming HUANG, Hsing-Hsiung HUANG
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Publication number: 20130241744Abstract: A system for monitoring an area is provided. The system comprises a plurality of stationary sensors that can sense events and comprise a wireless output signal broadcast capability for transmitting output signals from the stationary sensors by a wireless communication protocol. The system further comprises gateway units connected to a wired backbone network and configured to transmit information relating to the output signals of the stationary sensors by a wired communication protocol, and a base station connected to the wired backbone network configured to receive the information transmitted by the gateway units on the wired communication protocol and to time-stamp the events signaled by the stationary sensors. The monitored area comprises sub-areas, and a group of stationary sensors are assigned to each of the sub-areas and to a gateway unit for directly receiving the output signals from the group of stationary sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventors: Akos Erdos, Jeno Balazs, Peter Csato, Gabor Szabo
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Publication number: 20130241743Abstract: A universal iKT electronic monitoring device, system and method of use, to receive data from a variety of types of sensors (e.g. measuring weight, temperature) housed within apparatuses (e.g. a kitchen appliances, utensils) that are electronically compatible with the monitoring device. The monitoring device then wirelessly transmits the sensor data to a User's mobile device (i.e. a smartphone) to be analyzed and stored. The User's mobile device also comprises software to assist in using the apparatus, such as listing recipes, or transmitting commands to the device to turn off an apparatus (e.g. oven). One iKT device is compatible for use with a multitude of electronic apparatuses, such as mixing bowls to measure the weight of cooking ingredients, spatulas and oven mats to measure food temperature, cups to measure liquid volumes, and oven controls to turn off/on or reduce the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Mucha Loic
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Publication number: 20130241745Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically triggering wireless power and data exchange between an external reader and an implanted sensor. The implanted sensor may measure the strength of an electrodynamic field received wirelessly from the reader and convey field strength data based on the measured strength of the received electrodynamic field to the reader. If the field strength data indicates that the strength of an electrodynamic field received by the sensor is sufficient for the implanted sensor to perform an analyte measurement, the reader may convey an analyte measurement command to the sensor, which may execute the analyte measurement command and convey measurement information back to the reader. The systems and methods may trigger the analyte measurement as the reader transiently passes within sufficient range/proximity to the implant (or vice versa).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Senseonics, IncorporatedInventors: Arthur E. Colvin, JR., Andrew Dehennis
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Publication number: 20130241746Abstract: Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) tend to be specialized and expensive—relegated to only key points in power distribution networks, and are generally reliant on GPS technology. The present disclosure details how any smart meter—using wireless communication—can perform sub-microsecond-grade synchrophasor measurements. Other aspects concern smart meter-based determination of A, B or C phase of the tri-phase power network. This can involve count-stamp enabling message packets sent to and/or from a smart meter, and then associating such count-stamps to local measurements of power phase by a metrology unit. Once a network of such enabled smart meters and other devices is formed, sub-microsecond metropolitan-wide and entire region-wide synchronizing time standard can calibrate local measurements of power phase, where simple A, B and C phase determination is one low hanging fruit application of such.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: DIGIMARC CORPORATIONInventors: Tyler J. McKinley, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
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Patent number: 8536998Abstract: A mesh-networked sensor platform has a mesh network of nodes that connect with existing electrical infrastructure or are powered through other means such as batteries or energy scavenging. The mesh network forms a self-healing and self-configuring network robust against individual node failures. Wireless mesh networking integrated circuits (ICs), energy monitoring ICs and solid state relays are used to create a low-cost, easy-to-install energy visualization and management system. The system can intelligently control energy usage at the sockets to stop energy from being wasted. Software for a central base station uses energy usage data from each node to create an energy usage profile to automatically detect anomalies in energy usage and take steps to correct them. Other sensors can be easily added for a multitude of applications. Power usage and control of each appliance can be viewed via an interne connected PC or smart phone via a social networking website.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: David Siu, Ken C. K. Cheung, Joseph M. Cardenas, Luke B. Joseph, Ryan Y. Miyamoto, Donald Harbin
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Patent number: 8537029Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating utility meter communication are provided. One or more communications to be transmitted by a utility meter may be identified by the utility meter. A cost associated with the transmission of the one or more communications may be determined by the utility meter, and a determination may be made as to whether the cost satisfies one or more cost parameters. If it is determined that the cost satisfies the one or more cost parameters, the one or more communications may be transmitted by the utility meter. If, however, it is determined that the cost does not satisfy the one or more cost parameters, the one or more communications may be stored by the utility meter for subsequent transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Ryan Marc LaFrance
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Patent number: 8537028Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
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Publication number: 20130234861Abstract: An implantable medical device has a broadband RF receiver operating within an RF band and having stored information of a characteristic receiver frequency representing the RF within the RF band at which the broadband RF receiver has sufficient receiver sensitivity. The stored information is retrieved in response to a message from an external communication device and is included in a response generated by the implantable medical device and transmitted to the communication device. The information enables the communication device to select its transmission frequency at a subsequent transmission instance to the relevant implantable medical device. The chances of successful reception at the subsequent transmission instance are thereby increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Hans Abrahamson
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Patent number: 8531311Abstract: A method, system, and related apparatus for performing time-divided communications in a metering environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endpoint (e.g., ERT) is provided that implements a method for communicating messages with a remote device. Generally, the method includes causing the endpoint to transmit a standard meter reading message within a predefined frequency band. Then, after waiting a predetermined amount of time, a receiver on the endpoint is activated to listen for a message transmitted by the remote device. While the receiver on the endpoint is activated, the endpoint may receive a command from the remote device without being required to transmit an additional standard meter reading message.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Matthew Johnson
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Publication number: 20130229288Abstract: System and methods are provided to ameliorate a shortcoming identified by applicants for analyte meter in wireless communication to a server.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: LifeScan Scotland LimitedInventors: Stephen Alexander, Jon Lee-Davey, Graham Douglas, Brian Guthrie, Allan Macrae, John Stewart
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Publication number: 20130229287Abstract: A measurement system may comprise a sensor wire and a transceiver unit. The sensor wire may comprise an insertable portion configured to be inserted in a blood vessel of a patient's body and a sensor disposed within the insertable portion at a distal end of the sensor wire. The sensor is configured to measure a parameter when inserted inside the patient. The transceiver unit may comprise: a housing adapted to be connected to a proximal end of the sensor wire; and a first communication module within the housing adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with an external second communication module in order to transfer information to the external second communication module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL SYSTEMS ABInventors: Magnus SAMUELSSON, Sauli TULKKI
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Patent number: 8525692Abstract: An electricity meter capable of performing a method for limiting an electricity load in communication with the electricity meter is disclosed. The electricity meter includes at least one load control and the electricity meter has one or more predetermined time-of-use tiers. Each of the one or more predetermined time-of-use tiers has a corresponding time-of-use demand threshold. The method comprises determining a present time-of-use tier; determining a present time-of-use demand for the electricity load in the present time-of-use tier; comparing the present time-of-use demand to the time-of-use demand threshold corresponding to the present time-of-use tier; and setting the at least one load control to a de-energize mode when a de-energize condition is satisfied. The de-energize condition may include sub-conditions such as the present time-of-use demand exceeding the time-of-use demand threshold corresponding to the present time-of-use tier.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLCInventors: Robert T. Mason, Jr., Keith D. Richeson, Charlie E. Minton, III
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Publication number: 20130222150Abstract: An electrical gateway and a communication method of the electrical gateway are disclosed. The electrical gateway includes: an uplink communication module, a downlink communication module and a control unit; the uplink communication module is configured to communicate with an uplink network element; the downlink communication module is configured to communicate with a terminal device; and the control unit, connecting the uplink communication module and the downlink communication module, is configured to, when it is determined that downlink data sent by the uplink network element is obtaining terminal device information, transmit the terminal device information to the uplink communication module if the terminal device information is stored in the electrical gateway, and transmit the obtaining the terminal device information to the downlink communication module if the terminal device information is not stored in the electrical gateway. Therefore, data communication is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.Inventor: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130222153Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits an excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Endotronix, Inc.Inventor: Endotronix, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130222151Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a sensor network comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one resource, where a resource can be a sensing device (e.g., a camera or microphone) or other peripheral devices (e.g., a storage or recording system). In at least one embodiment of the present invention, at least one node in a network determines at least one resource available to it and the type of the resource or its capabilities. Based on the type or capabilities of the resource, the node associates with one or more logical node names and acquires instructions for performing at least one function.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Hsiang-Tsung Kung, Dario Vlah
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Publication number: 20130222152Abstract: A method of operating an implantable medical device (IMD) includes demodulating a data signal incoming to the IMD, serially storing demodulated data received in the data signal in a first serial buffer register, transferring the received demodulated data to a parallel buffer register from the first serial buffer register, wherein the parallel buffer register operates according to a clock signal having a lower frequency than a clock signal used to operate a serial buffer register, switching the serial storing of demodulated data to a second serial buffer register during the transferring of the received demodulated data to the parallel buffer register, and alternating the serial storing of the received data between the first and second serial buffer registers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventor: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130214935Abstract: The present invention relates to information management systems for a home appliance, and more particularly, to an information management system for embodying communication between a home appliance and a wireless terminal and between the home appliance and an external service business operator server possible for providing information a user requires quickly and remote management of the home appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yanghwan Kim, Hyongjun Park, Jonghoon Shim
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Publication number: 20130207815Abstract: A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Barth Robins Pitchford, William Dudley Pitchford, Robert Paul Simon, C. David Binning, David Lewis Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20130208938Abstract: Disclosed is a system of an apparel to operate atleast a functional device without holding in an user's hands. The system comprises atleast a communicator inbuilt with the apparel and communicably connected with the functional device, atleast a controller inbuilt with the apparel to control operation of the functional device, and atleast a connector inbuilt with the apparel to detachably connect atleast one of the functional device, the communicator, the controller or any combination thereof. Atleast one of the communicator, connector, the controller, the functional device or any combination thereof is substantially water resistant and washable with the apparel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Vivek Midha
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Publication number: 20130201030Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and system as well as associated and/or corresponding methodology for exchanging utility consumption data and control information between a consumption measurement device and a utility management system. The presently disclosed subject matter provides for employing a WiFi enable transceiver incorporated as a part of a cable company device such as a set top box. The WiFi transceiver is configured to receive consumption information from a consumer's utility meter (electricity, gas, water) and to transmit the received information to the utility provider by way of the cable company's communications infrastructure. Control signal may also be sent from the utility company to the consumption measurement device by way of the cable company's communications infrastructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Roberto Aiello
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Publication number: 20130204106Abstract: A system for monitoring the use of a home-based medical apparatus providing medical therapy to a patient incorporates communication technology to permit communication from the operated component of the medical apparatus via a cellular network to a Cloud storage site. The operated medical apparatus can report any operational function to the Cloud storage site, which can be accessed by appropriate medical professionals or caregivers by contacting the Cloud storage site through a cellular network. If the medical apparatus is properly configured, the medical professional could change certain operational functions of the medical apparatus through the Cloud by communicating with the medical apparatus directly. Alternatively, a medical caregiver can visit the home-based patient to modify the operation of the medical apparatus. By limiting the number of visits needed to maintain proper operation of the medical apparatus, a medical caregiver can provide services to a larger number of patients.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: John A. Bennett
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Publication number: 20130201033Abstract: Systems and methods for a low-power sensor node and network. A low-power sensor node including a battery, a microcontroller, a sensor module, and a transmitter is used to sense an environmental condition and transmit the information back to a base station via a preexisting power line infrastructure such as power lines of a house or apartment building.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Gabriel Cohn, Jagdish Pandey, Brian Otis, Shwetak Patel
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Publication number: 20130201032Abstract: A system and method for implementing quality control for a panel is described. For example, the panel may be configured as a vacuum insulation panel having sensors arranged within the panel and/or on a surface thereof. A radio frequency identification unit may be in operable communication with the sensor and may transmit panel information to an external radio frequency identification receiver. A data collation element in operable communication with the radio frequency identification receiver may be configured to receive and analyze aggregated panel performance data received from the radio frequency identification receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Caralon Global LimitedInventor: Caralon Global Limited
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Publication number: 20130201031Abstract: A system and method for facilitating smart power meter monitoring are provided. The system for facilitating smart power meter monitoring includes a standards-based frame detector, a CDR, at least one 8b/10 encoder/decoder and data links to receive input signals and transmit output signals. The system provides for the conversion of incoming SerDes signals, like those that may be transmitted from an optical module, into UART signals that can be communicated to the smart power meter directly through a UART port of the meter. The method includes receiving SerDes signals from an optical module and converting the signals to UART signals. The UART signals are converted to comply with industry standard protocols for communication with the smart power meter. The UART signals are then transmitted to the smart power meter through the meter's UART port.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY,. INCInventors: Wen Yang, Daoman Xue, Zhi Yong Pu
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Patent number: 8497781Abstract: A power supply extracts electrical power from the electro-magnetic field surrounding a high voltage power conductor and conditions the derived input power to provide a stable power source for instrumentation and communications equipment. The communications controller is a local network router that routes serial data traffic to selected communication devices such as an instrumentation processor, a power supply processor, or a maintenance port controller. The router forwards the data to other communications equipment and forwards data from the communicating equipment to an external network providing substantially simultaneous communications between the external network and the instrumentation processor, power supply processor and maintenance port controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Underground Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Engelhardt, Larry Fish
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Publication number: 20130187789Abstract: A wrist-worn device monitors movements of a user. A sensor assembly of the wrist-worn device is configured to detect movement of the user and generate sensor data based on the movement detected. A controller connected to the sensor assembly obtains movement data based on the sensor data. An antenna connected to the controller is configured to operate at a desired frequency when a wrist of the user is received by the device such that the movement data is wirelessly transmittable from the wrist-worn device to an electronic device. The antenna may exhibit a different design and configuration depending on the size of the wrist-worn device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: NIKE, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130187788Abstract: A monitoring device, system and method are provided for in-home/on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart meter, and displays usage through a display, illuminating an area using a colour indicative of the current cost of consumption, and varying the illuminated area at a rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the varying of the illuminated area simulating movement in the display. The display provides a consumer with “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. One or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. Monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Aztech Associates, Inc.Inventor: Aztech Associates, Inc.